Neonatal Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Blood
What is this test?
The detection and proper identification of hemoglobinopathies and thalassemias is an important aspect of the evaluation of patients with anemia, microcytosis and erythrocytosis. Hemoglobins (Hb) identified by neonatal screening are generally reported by level of expression as determined by the particular analytical procedure. Because more fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) than normal adult hemoglobin (Hb A) is present at birth, normal infants show Hb FA. Infants with hemoglobinopathies also show a predominance of Hb F at birth. Those with sickle cell disease syndromes show Hb S in absence of Hb A (FS), Hb S with another hemoglobin variant (e.g. FSC, FSDPunjab) or a quantity of Hb S greater than Hb A (FSA). Hundreds of other Hb variants are also identified. Many abnormal hemoglobins produce few or no clinical consequences while some such variants as Hb E can produce significant anemia. Hb E/beta-thalassemia often produces a severe, transfusion-dependent anemia. Many screening programs also detect and report Hb Bart's, indicative of alpha-thalassemia.
Also known as Neonatal Hb Electrophoresis Blood, Neonatal Haemoglobin Electrophoresis, Neonatal Hb Electrophoresis.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Neonatal Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Blood. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Neonatal Haemoglobin Electrophoresis Blood.
Understanding your test results
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| OTHER | All age groups | The observations vary based on the type of Hemoglobin |